By Joy Onu
The Kogi State Police Command has opened an investigation into the operation of a purported NECO examination centre in an abandoned secondary school after suspected kidnappers abducted four people, including a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two candidates, in Dekina Local Government Area.
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the attack occurred at the abandoned Government Secondary School in the remote Olowa community, where 10 candidates were sitting the ongoing NECO Senior School Certificate Examination.
According to the statement, those abducted were identified as the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; the NECO official, Mr Solomon Audu; and two female candidates, Dorcas Sunday and another student identified simply as Dorcas.
The incident has also drawn attention to the use of the abandoned school for the examination. Preliminary findings by security agencies showed that the facility had earlier been shut down by the Kogi State Government because of its isolated location and security concerns. Investigators, however, believe the premises may have been unlawfully converted into what authorities described as a “special examination centre” for the candidates.
Police said allegations that some individuals facilitated the use of the abandoned facility despite its closure would form part of the investigation. Detectives are also examining claims that the classroom used for the examination had gained notoriety as a venue for examination malpractice, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Following the distress report, Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi immediately mobilised tactical and operational assets and proceeded to the scene to personally coordinate the rescue operation. He was joined by the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, and the Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), who carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
The commissioner also ordered the deployment of additional tactical and operational personnel to strengthen the ongoing rescue effort.
According to the statement, combined security teams comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, hunters and other security stakeholders have commenced intensive bush-combing and intelligence-led operations to rescue the victims safely and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“Every available operational resource is being deployed to secure the safe release of the victims,” the police said, adding that the command remained committed to a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the purported illegal examination centre.
The command appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information, and refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of undermining the ongoing rescue operation.
Police said further updates would be provided as the rescue operation and investigation continue.
